The Internet often is criticized for allowing violent, intolerant views to be heard, but it also can be used to teach tolerance. In just one example, we recently launched a campaign in Germany called 361° Respekt, an online video competition in Germany that asks students 13 years old or over to create and upload YouTube videos that show what tolerance means to them.

Many new partners have joined us in promoting this message through 361° Respekt. They range from international organizations such as Unesco, to youth groups such as Jugendschutz.net and the health insurer Techniker Krankenkasse.Dr. Kristina Schröder, the Federal Minister for Youth and Family Affairs, is serving as patron for the project and posted a video on her YouTube Channel in support.

A jury will now be assembled and choose a winner at the beginning of April. The project will continue with the creation of a 361° news platform. It will publicise and report on initiatives in Germany designed to foster tolerance and respect.

Posted by Mounira Latrache, Communications and Public Affairs, Hamburg